Casemiro's parting gift? After tonight's match, the next date Casemiro could play for Manchester United is on April 13.
Should United somehow fail to progress against Betis, Casemiro would not play again until the weekend of April 15. Or is Casemiro benched? Erik ten Hag may be of the opinion that it is better to prepare his available midfielders for the FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Sunday than give a start to Casemiro.
Donny van de Beek's incongruous start at Real Sociedad in November was an unsuccessful method to get him up to speed to replace the suspended Bruno Fernandes at Aston Villa three days later.
Ten Hag has not started Fred and Scott McTominay together since the opening weekend defeat to Brighton and Marcel Sabitzer's playing time was reduced after Casemiro served his first three-match suspension. Also read: Meet the former United trialist who was man of the match vs Betis Sabitzer and Fred appears to be Ten Hag's preferred partnership in the absence of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, also missed in the goalless draw with Southampton. Winging it? United's balance with 10 men on Sunday improved when Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho were introduced for Antony and Jadon Sancho.